Sometimes slow motion exercise is better than quick repetitions.
Inside a room at Golden Gate Community Center on Wednesday, 15 senior citizens worked on increasing muscular strength and bone density to increase balance and prevent falls and fractures.
Instructor Bernice Sobotka told the Bone Builders/Osteoporosis Exercise class that the movements build muscles, which protect the bones.
“I have severe osteoporosis, and it has helped me,” said Sobotka, 75.
The osteoporosis class was among dozens of health education and information on the services and products available in the area at the ninth annual Senior Expo at Golden Gate Community Center.
“What seems silly to young people is important to seniors,” said Camden Smith, public information officer for the county’s Public Services Division.
The osteoporosis class is currently offered at Veterans Community Park, in North Naples, from 9 to 10 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Other locations include Vineyards Community Center, Village Walk and Island Walk.
Smith said the goal is to offer it at other community parks.
Among class attendees were Alfred Kowalski, 73, and his wife, Rita, 67, seasonal residents from New York.
Rita, who has back problems, said she needs a class like Bone Builders.
Overall, the fair has a lot of important information, she added.
Several hundred people attended the health fair, which is a Public Services Division event.
Smith said the turnout was fantastic. There were more than 30 exhibitors, including the American Diabetic Support Group, Collier Human Services, Fuller Funeral Home, Hospice of Naples and Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida.
Along with health screenings and brochures, there was also plenty of entertainment, including music, prizes and food.
Health professionals also were on hand conducting free health screenings for cholesterol, blood pressure, osteoporosis and percent of body fat.
After attending the osteoporosis class, Josephine and George Sateriale, seasonal residents from Boston, were among hundreds whose bone density was tested for osteoporosis.
Josephine Sateriale, 74, has osteoporosis and has been taking Actonel.
She didn’t have to visit her doctor Wednesday to find out about her health. The test showed that she had improved, she said, as she breathed a big sigh of relief to hear that.
George Sateriale’s test showed good bone density.
“(A health professional) said my result was like a 40-year-old,” said Sateriale, 73.
The couple credits their routine walking to keeping them healthy.
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